I don’t know what kind of tree this is. I can’t remember what its flowers look like, or even if it has flowers. I’m watching it now. This project is making a keen observer out of me—66 days ago, I was an ordinary observer.

I enjoyed watching the bare barberry (sounds like a name for a distillery) branches light up in reddish brown tones when the sunlight shone through the trees. The contrast with the snow was delightful, providing a nice background. I was very careful to not smoosh my face too close – those thorns are sharp!

My spirit is uplifted when spending time in nature – a great way to start the day. Something I need, and I need to do more of. When I don’t commune with nature, I start forgetting that I need it. It’s not just me. Time spent in nature – even our own backyards – benefits our health, physically, spiritually, and psychologically.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he[she] seeks.” ― John Muir